Shall' when used in the LC means?

Shall' when used in the LC means?

• A. Permissive
• B. Discretionary with the Worker's Comp Judge
• C. Acceptable
• D. Mandatory

Answer: (D)

In statutory language, “shall” expresses a mandatory obligation. In the Labor Code, when a provision uses “shall,” it requires compliance and leaves no discretion—the duty must be performed. That’s why the correct choice is mandatory. The other options describe permissions or discretionary outcomes, which don’t fit how “shall” functions in the California Labor Code: it isn’t permissive, it isn’t something the judge can decide at their discretion, and it isn’t merely acceptable language. Therefore, “shall” means a binding requirement.

In statutory language, “shall” expresses a mandatory obligation. In the Labor Code, when a provision uses “shall,” it requires compliance and leaves no discretion—the duty must be performed. That’s why the correct choice is mandatory. The other options describe permissions or discretionary outcomes, which don’t fit how “shall” functions in the California Labor Code: it isn’t permissive, it isn’t something the judge can decide at their discretion, and it isn’t merely acceptable language. Therefore, “shall” means a binding requirement.